topic Re: Tourists are arriving! in Community Chat

Tourists are arriving!

Rockycoast — Mon, 23 May 2022 01:11:57 GMT

Long line of cars, motorhomes, campers, motorcycles, etc. heading to the beaches. People opening up their houses and cabins and rentals. A little later than usual but happy to see. Good for the hotels/motels, restaurants, bars. and seafood/fish markets (they are still buying lobsters here). Tourists-glad to see them come and enjoy our state, glad to see them go when the season is over. Get our small town back again. Talking to my friends that own hotels and restaurants, it is going to be another great season. Good for them!

ETA-I live in Maine, on the main street heading to the beaches, so we get to see how good the season is going to be from all the motor vehicles driving by.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Mom2Dogs — Sun, 22 May 2022 21:31:31 GMT

Good to hear that people are willing to travel and enjoy the summer.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Porcelain — Sun, 22 May 2022 21:34:07 GMT

Isn't it wonderful to get back to normal? So glad things are getting better for your town.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

mormel20 — Sun, 22 May 2022 22:52:26 GMT

With the price of gasoline I am amazed people can afford it.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Greeneyedlady21 — Sun, 22 May 2022 22:54:14 GMT

AAA is predicting highest travel volume in five years. If that happens yes plenty of people can afford it

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Snowpuppy — Sun, 22 May 2022 23:00:06 GMT

@mormel20 wrote:
With the price of gasoline I am amazed people can afford it.

Likely just 1 road trip for us this summer and we're still debating.

Trip vs stocking pantry/freezer to the fullest.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

millieshops — Sun, 22 May 2022 23:14:45 GMT

I think lots of people have plenty of money to buy their daily needs and still travel, but there are 2 different sets of people: those who are as comfortable or better now than they were before the pandemic and those who are desperate to pay for food and basic living.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

on the bay — Sun, 22 May 2022 23:18:18 GMT

I wouldn't say things are back to normal or maybe some people wish they were and are acting like they are.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

PA Mom-mom — Sun, 22 May 2022 23:37:24 GMT

@Rockycoast Judging from your handle, I'm guessing you are from Maine. Some of our favorite trips ever! We went to the lobster fest in Rockland, to Kennebunkport, and also to Searsport to have lobster at Youngs. If I'm wrong,and you are not from Maine, sorry. But, I'm glad that people are getting out there again. We just got back from visiting our son and grandkids in Pittsburgh, and the round trip cost us about $140. in gas. It was worth it, but OUCH!

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Gorgf — Sun, 22 May 2022 23:41:58 GMT

I just spoke to two motorcycle riders from Alaska the other day. I was telling them we often topped Alaska in cold temps. in N. WIS. I parked between Iowa and Okla. plates. Many times more out of state plates than Wi. Our season starts with opening of fishing season two weeks ago, but roars Memorial Day and settles down a bit mid August when schools start. People are taking trips closer to home again.

Business did well last summer even with some Covid restrictions and I would expect a good summer although we have been chilly lately and frost tonight. Snow fell in N. MN. but did not stay. So much flooding with snow melt and recent rain there, like International Falls. Mississippi branches and Red River near Dakotas.

I shop between 8 am to 9 am avoiding lines. Expect more bare shelves this time of year. Labor is still short and inside dining in McDonald's and DQ still down. Students have a pick of summer jobs. Paying $15 to $17.50 for stocking shelves.

Covid is high to medium in the North and Duluth, MN. is requiring masks inside as of Monday. I see more mask wearing in stores.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Rockycoast — Mon, 23 May 2022 00:23:18 GMT

@mormel20 wrote:
With the price of gasoline I am amazed people can afford it.

This year is expected to be even better than last year according to the Chamber of Commerce, and last year was a great one for the tourist industry here. People are willing to pay the price of gas it seems.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Italian gal — Mon, 23 May 2022 00:29:07 GMT

Well im glad...most contactors can hardly work

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Rockycoast — Mon, 23 May 2022 00:34:42 GMT

@PA Mom-mom wrote:
@Rockycoast Judging from your handle, I'm guessing you are from Maine. Some of our favorite trips ever! We went to the lobster fest in Rockland, to Kennebunkport, and also to Searsport to have lobster at Youngs. If I'm wrong,and you are not from Maine, sorry. But, I'm glad that people are getting out there again. We just got back from visiting our son and grandkids in Pittsburgh, and the round trip cost us about $140. in gas. It was worth it, but OUCH!

Yes, @PA Mom-mom , we do live in Maine. Love it here. Glad you enjoyed your trips here. Hopefully there are more planned in your future! Yes, that is a heafty price to pay, but like you said it was worth it to see your son and grandkids. Bet it was lots of fun. The price of gas has not stopped my husband and I from traveling either. We recently drove down to Florida for a trip to Epcot. 3 days driving down and 3 days driving back. In our younger days it took a day and a half. Not that young any more! lol

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Cakers3 — Mon, 23 May 2022 00:47:31 GMT

@mormel20 wrote:
With the price of gasoline I am amazed people can afford it.

@mormel20 I think some people are just throwing up their hands and saying "what the heck" might as well enjoy what we can while we still can.

I am positive, though, that those who are struggling have been struggling for a long time; the price of gas has just put a cap on doing anything remotely close to taking a vacation.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Rockycoast — Mon, 23 May 2022 00:50:38 GMT

@Porcelain wrote:
Isn't it wonderful to get back to normal? So glad things are getting better for your town.

Yes, I think people feel "safer" now if that is the word for it. Most of the time they are out of doors here in Maine. Going to the beaches, hiking, boating, hunting, fishing. Don't need masks to do that. So it is good to see people out and about now.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

ECBG — Mon, 23 May 2022 00:53:59 GMT

People are ready for a rest and some relaxation.

I have paid quite a lot for the place we go and I will be there!!!

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Rockycoast — Mon, 23 May 2022 00:58:51 GMT

@Gorgf wrote:
I just spoke to two motorcycle riders from Alaska the other day. I was telling them we often topped Alaska in cold temps. in N. WIS. I parked between Iowa and Okla. plates. Many times more out of state plates than Wi. Our season starts with opening of fishing season two weeks ago, but roars Memorial Day and settles down a bit mid August when schools start. People are taking trips closer to home again.

Business did well last summer even with some Covid restrictions and I would expect a good summer although we have been chilly lately and frost tonight. Snow fell in N. MN. but did not stay. So much flooding with snow melt and recent rain there, like International Falls. Mississippi branches and Red River near Dakotas.

I shop between 8 am to 9 am avoiding lines. Expect more bare shelves this time of year. Labor is still short and inside dining in McDonald's and DQ still down. Students have a pick of summer jobs. Paying $15 to $17.50 for stocking shelves.

Covid is high to medium in the North and Duluth, MN. is requiring masks inside as of Monday. I see more mask wearing in stores.

The license plates that are most common here are from Ma., NH, NY, Fl, and Ct. We see plates from all over the country but the ones I mentioned are the most plentiful. Can't forget the Canadians, UK, and Japan tourists. We do still have Covid cases that have been increasing here in Maine, but North of us. So far no mandates in our town.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

spiderw — Mon, 23 May 2022 01:00:26 GMT

I am happy for all the businesses which benefit and profit from tourism so they can live well off season. I used to visit Maine in the summers and loved it, lots of beauty and nature, I hope the tourists return.

As for my self I won't be going far. Some family may be visiting in July from out of state and we will do some day trips to the shore. I have friends and family to visit also.

Whatever everyone chooses to do, I hope they are content to do it.

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Tinkrbl44 — Mon, 23 May 2022 01:06:23 GMT

@Rockycoast wrote:
@Porcelain wrote:
Isn't it wonderful to get back to normal? So glad things are getting better for your town.
Yes, I think people feel "safer" now if that is the word for it. Most of the time they are out of doors here in Maine. Going to the beaches, hiking, boating, hunting, fishing. Don't need masks to do that. So it is good to see people out and about now.

@Rockycoast

Thanks for sharing what part of the country you are in. Your OP didn't indicate what region you are in, but I was guessing Florida. LOL

Re: Tourists are arriving!

Rockycoast — Mon, 23 May 2022 01:14:26 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@Rockycoast wrote:
@Porcelain wrote:
Isn't it wonderful to get back to normal? So glad things are getting better for your town.
Yes, I think people feel "safer" now if that is the word for it. Most of the time they are out of doors here in Maine. Going to the beaches, hiking, boating, hunting, fishing. Don't need masks to do that. So it is good to see people out and about now.

@Rockycoast

Thanks for sharing what part of the country you are in. Your OP didn't indicate what region you are in, but I was guessing Florida. LOL

Just went back and edited my post to let others know where I am from. We have visited Florida many times but live up North. I like the cold better than the heat.lol